Executive Director, Warren County Economic Development Corp.

Fun FactWhite and his wife, Kelly, got married in August. The two have known each other for 25 years, but only started dating about a year and a half ago.

It may not sound all that exciting, but Jason White believes that the right processes and procedures lead to a highly functioning organization.

At his current job with the Warren County Economic Development Corp., and his previous two jobs at the Midwest Partnership Economic Development Corp. and Appanoose Economic Development Corp., White says he has made a point to review the processes and procedures to figure out how to “start over” if need be.

“Those things aren’t the sexiest things in the world, but once you are able to accomplish that, it makes everything a lot easier,” White said.

After working in politics during the early part of his career, White found a passion for helping Iowa communities prosper.

In Warren County, the organization’s goal is to create wealth by adding new jobs, growing and attracting businesses, and adding to the county’s commercial and industrial tax base. The Economic Development Corp. has been involved in the expansion of Capital City Fruit Co. in Norwalk and Loffredo Fresh Produce Co. Inc.’s move to the city, as well as bringing a Fareway grocery store to Carlisle.

“As the metro grows, we want to make sure Warren County grows on par with the Des Moines metro, and that we’re positioned to grow like some of the fastest-growing parts in the metro,” he said.

In his personal life, White tries to surround himself with people who are humble, disciplined and put in a lot of effort, who are constantly learning. That’s how he has tried to act in his career.

“Prove it, what you claim you can do,” he said. “Don’t only talk the talk, but walk the walk.”

Reasons he’s a Forty:

• The Warren County Economic Development Corp. won the best “Overall Program” award from Gov. Terry Branstad and the Professional Developers of Iowa.